Kosovo President Dissolves Parliament After Failed Presidential Election

Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani announced Friday she is dissolving Parliament to trigger new elections after lawmakers missed the midnight deadline to choose her replacement. The political crisis marks another setback for the Balkan nation, which just held snap elections in December following nearly a year of governmental deadlock.

PRISTINA, Kosovo — President Vjosa Osmani announced Friday her decision to dissolve Kosovo’s Parliament, triggering another round of early elections after legislators failed to select her replacement by Thursday’s midnight deadline.

This political turmoil represents yet another crisis for the Balkan nation, which already conducted snap elections in December following almost a year of political gridlock.

The 120-member assembly was required to choose a new president to succeed Osmani, who has served since 2021. Thursday evening’s voting attempt collapsed when insufficient lawmakers showed up to meet quorum requirements.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti has pointed fingers at opposition parties for boycotting the legislative session. His governing Vetevedosje (Self-Determination) party has petitioned the Constitutional Court to temporarily halt the deadline, allowing the presidential selection process to continue.

The timing of the court’s decision remains uncertain, and it’s unclear whether any ruling could reverse Osmani’s parliamentary dissolution.

During Friday’s public statement, Osmani characterized the crisis as “completely avoidable” and emphasized that legislators had sufficient opportunity to select a president.

“It is a great misfortune for this state that they did not choose the interests of the Republic of Kosovo,” Osmani declared. “I have issued the decree for the dissolution of the assembly, and through this decree I am fulfilling the constitutional obligation that is clearly defined.”

Vetevedosje dominated December’s early elections and partnered with ethnic minority groups to establish a new administration in February.

The party had previously won February 2025 elections but failed to secure a parliamentary majority, creating the deadlock that necessitated December’s snap vote.

Kosovo, once a Serbian province, proclaimed independence in 2008 after a 1998-99 conflict that concluded with U.S.-led NATO military intervention. Serbia continues to reject Kosovo’s sovereignty, maintaining ongoing regional tensions.